Let’s start with this:
“When economic distress reaches a certain point, the individual citizen no longer uses his political power to serve the public weal, but only the help himself. His ideal of political liberty pales before his ideal of economic equality. Once this sentiment has eaten its way into the hearts of the majority of a nation, any political system is doomed
to failure. It is useless to tell the embittered masses that their political and economic rulers are not responsible for their misfortunes. It is equally useless to point out to them that a revolution with its attendant disorders would not improve their situation, but would hopelessly compromise it. The world is not ruled by reason, but by passion, and when a man is driven to despair he is ready to smash everything in the vague hope that a better world may arise out of the ruins….The number of those who are beginning to think in terms of socialism is increasing. The adherents of the middle parties, who oppose this development, are dwindling in the same proportion that the number of independent, progressive and self-reliant citizens is being diminished through the increasing pauperization.”
– Erich Koch-Weser, Minister of Justice of the German Republic
1931
I’ve posted this before but I’m feeling like this about Romney/Ryan. And that’s a compliment. Because competency is very important in the highest office in the land I think. And, it occurred to me this morning that, as much flak and we take here in the US for looking at things like leadership through the lens of business, it’s a tendency I like because it speaks to the idea that some people are qualified to do a certain job. And some, are not. Now, does this require a certain detachment? Sure. And it’s a balancing act to remain steadfast to things like “the best fit” etc while remembering that we are dealing with people and not numbers or cogs in a machine, but I have faith that people can do that unless the above set of circumstances (alluded to by Mr. Koch-Weser) becomes the entrenched culture. And I feel like our current administration has been actively trying to create that universal pauperization because discord means power for the people at the top. As an aside, my pops said that if he were to be involved in a horrible accident and be close to death and laying on his deathbed — even if he was forced to lay on his stomach for the pain — he would refuse to die and ask that the television be placed on the floor because he WILL NOT MISS the vice presidential debates. And, I mean, I see where he’s coming from. My friend The Coach noted that Biden is a stutterer and, being a fellow stutterer, he wonders if maybe Biden makes gaffes so often because he stops mid-thought and picks an easier word. The Coach says this happens to him frequently. But I maintain that this does not explain his years of service to jerky people who push bad policy ideas. So, I give him a pass for public speaking but not for his associations. Sorry.
Similarly, this is just fascinating. I mean, admitting you’re gearing up for the smear is a new media boldness I’m not sure makes folks trust your search for the truth. Which my Pops says is what the moral man (or woman) concerns themselves with. So, I guess, admitting the immorality is something…just not sure what that something is…Also, Pops called the unlikely voter thing a day or so ago. Sometimes i wonder why he didn’t stay here and do political work instead of spiriting mom back to Georgia…he has less patience for bullshit than I, I guess.
Okay, other fun things as usual. Because stuff is heavy out there right now (and I’ll be down there this evening for pizza because you don’t get to win violent hater jerk boy) and it’s a really good thing to just stop, drop and laugh…By the way, The Coach just told me the Washington Post reported that the shooter had “differing views” than the Family Research Council. Yeah, like, in his opinion, shooting a security guard in downtown DC makes sense. Crack reporting there WaPo.
This is making the rounds. Hilarious. Also, all true.
I want to go to here. It’s close to my hood. Maybe I will…
Happy bday Julia. My sister and I used to watch you and laugh about you hitting the wine a little hard. Not a thing wrong with it.
My co-worker and I were just talking about googling fuzzy puppies when you’re having a bad day. Thank God for this.
I think the policy ad wars are fascinating. Is it just me or is fighting the idea war new for political advertising? I guess when you have no record that’s all you can do…
A reminder from the CAN tournament DJ. Forgot how much I like this song, in an uncomfortable way.
And so it begins again. It’s like a warm blanket every Fall.
And finally, for your food and drink, there’s a new Blue Moon a’comin’. It’s a perennial favorite of mine so looking forward to trying some Apple Caramel…
Also, this will be made by me at the next party I attend. Prepare for that Corey.
Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about Krispy Kreme donuts and Creme Brulee. I saw this and nearly passed out.
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